OUTLINE: This is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter study. Patients are stratified according to participating center, site of disease (larynx vs hypopharynx vs oropharynx vs oral cavity), T-classification (T1-2 vs T3-4), N-classification and intent of systematic neck node dissection (N0-1 vs N2-3 without node dissection vs N2-3 with node dissection), hemoglobin level and gender (men with 10-12.5 g/dL vs men with 12.5-14 g/dL vs women with 10-12 g/dL vs women with 12-13.5 g/dL), and type of treatment (EORTC standard vs other vs randomized in other trials). Patients are randomized to 1 of 2 treatment arms.